The railway between Newport and Cardiff reopened on Monday 23 March following a week of vital track renewals to support more dependable journeys on the South Wales Main Line.
More than 150 engineers and specialist teams from Network Rail, alongside contractors Colas Rail UK and AECOM, worked around the clock between 16 and 23 March to deliver a major programme of track upgrades on one of South Wales’ busiest railway routes.
The improvements will help reduce the risk of track-related faults, meaning passengers can benefit from more reliable journeys and fewer delays.
To carry out the most intensive work, the line was closed on 21 and 22 March, with replacement bus services running to keep passengers moving. Rail services resumed from the first service on Monday 23 March.
The work involved replacing points, laying 1,120 tonnes of new ballast, renewing 400 metres of track, and using one of Europe’s largest rail cranes – the Kirow – to lift and install the track components
This vital work forms part of continued investment to maintain a safe, reliable railway for both passenger and freight services using the route, while also laying the foundations for future service growth on the South Wales Main Line.
Nick Millington, Route Director for Network Rail Wales and Borders, said, “This has been a huge week of work on one of the busiest stretches of railway in South Wales. Our teams have worked around the clock to deliver vital upgrades that will help keep trains running safely and reliably for passengers and freight, for many years to come.
“I’d like to thank the teams involved for delivering this work safely and to schedule, and our passengers and local communities for their patience while we carried out this essential work.”
Image credit: Network Rail